Film unit with foldable trap and pod for processing fluid

ABSTRACT

A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes an image-recording portion with attached fluid accommodating or reservoir means for supplying and collecting a processing fluid (e.g. a pod and trap). The fluid accommodating means are initially in communication with the leading and trailing ends, respectively, of the image-recording portion, but are disposed in front of the image-recording portion (with respect to the direction of viewing the final print) during exposure and are movable relative thereto into substantially coplanar relationship therewith for processing. Thereafter, the fluid accommodating means or reservoirs are further movable with respect to the image-recording portion for improving the final appearance of the film unit after processing without generating any necessarily disposable waste by placing the reservoir means behind the imagerecording portion. The movable portions are substantially flat and, in accordance with one feature, are approximately equal in combined area to the area of the image-recording portion, to evenly cover the entire side of the image-recording portion opposite from the print-viewing side.

United States Patent [1 1 Mathews FILM UNIT WITH FOLDABLE TRAP AND POD FOR PROCESSING FLUID -[75] Inventor: John A. Mathews, Fairport, N.Y.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company,

Rochester, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Sept. 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 178,049

[52] U.S. Cl. 96/76 C, 96/29 R [51] Int. Cl G03c H48 [58] Field of Search 96/29, 76; 95/13 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,589,904 6/1971 Chen 96/76 C 3,582,335 6/1971 Erlichman. 96/76 C 2,558,856 7/1951 Land 95/13 3,680,456 8/1972 Nerwin 96/76 R Primary ExaminerNorman G. Torchin Assistant Examiner.lohn L. Goodrow Attorney-William T. French et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A photographic film unit of the self-processing type includes an image-recording portion with attached fluid accommodating or reservoir means for supplying and collecting a processing fluid (e.g. a pod and trap). The fluid accommodating means are initially in communication with the leading and trailing ends, respectively, of the image-recording portion, but are disposed in front of the image-recording portion (with respect to the direction of viewing the final print) during exposure and are movable relative thereto into substantially coplanar relationship therewith for processing' Thereafter, the fluid accommodating means or reservoirs are further movable with respect to the image-recording portion for improving the final appearance of the film unit after processing without generating any necessarily disposable waste by placing the reservoir means behind the image-recording portion. The movable portions are substantially flat and, in accordance with one feature, are approximately equal in combined area to the area of the image-recording portion, to evenly cover the entire side of the imagerecording portion opposite from the print-viewing side.

17 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PAIENIEnom 23 ms sum 10; 2

JOHN A. MATHEWS INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY PAIENIEDncI 23 um 3.7679406 SHKH 2 BF 2 B W/ I JOHN A. MATHEWS INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to photographic film units of the self-processing type, and more specifically to such units including various fluid accommodating means, or reservoir means such as supply containers or pods, and collecting structures or traps, for handling processing fluids. I

General Features and Forms of Self-Processing Film Units While a self-processing film unit can take any of several different forms, they generally include an imagerecording portion that is defined by a photosensitive element and a process sheet. The photosensitive element includes one or more radiation sensitive layers for recording a latent image that is processable to effect the establishment of a visibly presentable image, while the process sheet aids in the distribution of a fluid over the photosensitive element to effect such processing. The fluid accommodating or reservoir means, on the other hand, generally include a container in communication with the leading end of the recording portion for supplying the processing fluid, and a collector in communication with the trailing end for receiving any excess of the composition.

In operation, the film unit is moved through processing means that distribute the contents of the container in a layer of appropriate thickness between the photosensitive element and the process sheet, and direct any excess into the collector. The distribution processing fluid then permeates the radiation sensitive layers to effect processing of the latent image and establishment of the visibly presentable image.

In the most 'well known form of such film units, the process sheet is initially separated or spaced from the exposure side'of the photosensitive element, to permit its exposure, and then is brought into a' superposed or registered relationship with that side for,processing. The visible image is established in an image-receiving are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,644 and in British Patent No. 1,224,372. Other examples, wherein the image-receiving layer is associated with the photosensitive element, are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Applications Ser. No. 869,186 entitled PHOTO- GRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANS- FER PROCESSING now abandoned, and Ser. No. 43,322 entitled PHOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT now US. Pat. No. 3,672,272, both filed in the name of HE. Cole.

The present invention is illustrated and described with a preregistered, integral film unit, and has particulayer associated with the process sheet, and that sheet registered, peel-apart film unit is illustrated and described in US. Pat. No. 3,080,805.

In other forms of self-processing film units, the photosensitive element andprocess sheet are registered or superposed prior to exposure, preferably at the time of manufacture, and remain in substantially the same condition'during and after exposure and processing. Ordinarily the process sheet is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitive element, and that element remains permanently attached to the process sheet as part of the final print. These film units can be referred to as being of a preregistered" and integral type, again referring to the initial and final relative positions of the photosensitive element and process sheet. Examples of this later type of film unit, wherein the image-receiving layer is most closely associated with the process sheet,

lar utility therewith. However, certain of its features also might be applied to certain embodiments of peelapart units. Exemplary Problems Often Encountered With Previously Known Self-Processing Film Units While self-processing film units offer several advantages over conventional film, they also involve several troublesome problem areas that have been the subject of intensive study. Moreover, this has continued to be the case even though at least several of the problems relate to ecology, consumer convenience, and/or other areas that are significant to the commercial success of this product.

By way of example only, considerable resources have been expended in attempts to provide improved means for handling certain materials such as the containers for pods and collectors or traps, that serve their primary function during processing and essentially comprise waste after that function is'accomplished. As a result, numerous approaches have been presented that range from reliance on the consumer for proper separation and disposal of such materials, to the provision of camera mechanisms forautomatically separating and collecting the waste materials.

Each of the above approaches has particular advantages, and generally operate satisfactorily for its intended purpose. However, each also suffers from cer tain disadvantages, at least under certain operating conditions. Reliance on the consumer to separate and properly dispose of waste materials permits substantial camera simpliciation and reduced costs, but is not considered to be very reliable in obtaining proper waste disposal. Separation and collection of the waste materials by various camera mechanisms can be nearly percent reliable in collecting the waste materials, but normally requires more complex and expensive camera mechanisms, as well as increased size and bulkiness of the camera. Additionally, in almost all of the presently known film units where waste materials are intended to be separated from the final print, there is an added problem in that the processing fluid may leak from the waste materials or the print itself.

Still further, and referring now only to the presently preferred preregistered, integral film unit that is illustrated and described in previously mentioned U.S. application Ser. No. 869,186, now abandoned, the back of the final pring ordinarily must be a transparent material such as clear plastic, and may have an off-white or even mottled appearance from carbon black in the processing fluid. The plastic may make writing on the print difficult, and some consumers may find the color objectionable.

Heretofore, preregistered integral film units having an image-recording portion have been devised with a container or pod and collector or trap permanently attached to leading and trailing ends thereof, respectively, wherein one or both of the pod and trap are foldable to a position behind the image-recording portion after processing has been initiated. These preregistered, integral film units have had a substantially flat element that is movable into engagement with the back side of the image-recording portion after processing has been initiated to enhance the properties of that side of the recording portion. See, for example, copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 178,235 entitled FILM UNIT and filed simultaneously herewith in the name of John A. Mathews.

However, in all such prior film units it has been considered necessary for the initial size of the film 'unit to be larger than the size of the final print-by an area at least substantially equal to the area of the fluid accommodating or reservoir means, i.e. the area of the pod and/or the trap. This, of course has dictated larger film pack configurations and larger camera sizes without increasing the size of the final print.

Moreover, while the above-identified applications disclose film units having a smaller initial size compared to the size of the finalprint, than that possible with other prior art arrangements, it still has been necessary for the user to perform several sequential folding steps in order to obtain the final print. It has been found that the fewer such steps that are necessary, the easier it is for the user and the better the customer acceptance of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the present invention provides a selfprocessing film unit, which has an image-recording por' tion and a processing-fluid accommodating means that includes means movable relative to the imagerecording portion from a first position, for supplying and/or collecting the processing fluid, to a second position that is substantially hidden from view. The fluid accommodating or reservoir means is arranged in the initial configuration of the film unit so that the initial area thereof is substantially equal to the final print size.

Moreover, the movable means is arranged so that only two simple folding steps must be performed by the user to obtain the final print. Still further, the present invention provides a film unit in which no sequential folding is necessary.

More particularly, the present invention provides a photographic film unit comprising a plurality of relatively stiff sheet-like sections, at least one surface of each being substantially planar. Relatively flexible means are arranged to connect the sections together, end to end, whereby the sections are movable into a position with the planar surfaces facing in the same direction. One of the sections constitutes an imagerecording section including a photosensitive element for recording a latent image that is processable upon the application of a processing fluid thereto to establish a visible image. A layer covering the photosensitive element forms the front surface of the section at which such image is visible after processing. The outer surface of the layer constitutes the planar surface of the one section. The other of the sections is movable by virtue of the flexible connecting means longitudinally from juxtaposition with a portion of the front surface of the one section into substantially coplanar relationship therewith and then is movable into juxtaposed relationship with the back surface of the one section substantially in register with at least a portion thereof.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view representing a single film unit partially expanded and partially in section, in its initial configuration in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 1, with the container and collector extended for processing;

FIG.-3 is a pictorial view of the film unit depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the container and collector completely folded in their final positions covering the back surface of the image-recording portion; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded pictorial view of the film unit in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, comprising a selfprocessing film unit 10 including an image-recording portion 12, and processing-fluid accommodating or reservoir means such as supply and collecting means 14 and 16, respectively.

The image-recording portion is adapted to record a latent image that is processable by a fluid or composition, and for this purpose is provided with a first or photosensitive element 18, that is suitable for supporting the latent image, and a second element or process sheet 20, for aiding in distributing the fluid over the element. The supply and collecting means, on the other hand, provides the fluid for distribution, usually with some excess, and receives any such excess for storage or disposal after the distribution is completed. Thus, it should be apparent that the film unit includes all materials necessary for recording and processing a photographic image, when used in appropriate apparatus.

Image-Recording Portion The preferred image-recording portion is of the preregistered, integral type, wherein the process sheet 20 is permanently secured to the photosensitive element 18 along their lateral edges, and remains in substantially the same physical arrangement during exposure and after processing. Further details of such a recording portion are described and illustrated in commonly assigned, copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, and filed on Sept. 9, 1970 in the name of H. Nerwin.

The photosensitive element 18 is formed of resiliently flexible materials and includes one or more radiation sensitive layers for recording the latent image as well as a mordant, or other appropriate layer, for receiving a visibly presentable image that is established during processing of the latent image. Since this element serves to support both the latent image and the visibly presentable image, it often is referred to as an integral negative-receiver.

The process sheet 20 also is formed of resiliently flexible materials, and cooperates with the photosensitive element 18 to provide a rectangular unit having straight edges and square corners, as well as other' properties facilitating its handling in photographic apparatus. While the laterial edges of the sheet are permanently secured to the photosensitive element, such as by adhesively bonded areas 19, as previously mentioned, the central portion is resiliently separable to permit distribution of the processing fluid, and the ends are not bonded together but are bonded at 21 to the funnel 27 and at 23 to the trap 34 to permit introduction of the fluid between the element and sheet at the leading end and collection of any excess from therebetween at the trailing end. Further details of the photosensitive element and process sheet are described and illustrated in the aforementioned commonly assigned copending US. Application SerfNo. 869,186 now abandoned.

The preferred image-recording portion 12 is adapted to be exposed and viewed from opposite sides, with the image-receiving layer or mordant being located where it is visible (in the case of a reflection print) from a first side or surface 22 (FIG. 3), and the'radiation sensitive.

layers being exposable from the opposite side or surface 24. Such viewing and exposure can be permitted by using transparent materials, both as a support for the image-receiving or mordant layer, and as the process sheet, to define the substantially clear protective coverings on both sides of therecording portion.

While the major area of the image-recording portion on the first side thereof is intended to be occupied by the final print 25 it also will ordinarily include a white and preferably uniform border that surrounds the peripheral'portions of the print in a wall known manner.

Although the present invention has particular utility with image-recording portions of the above described type, at least certain of its features also are applicable 0to other types, such as integral units that are adapted to be exposed and viewed from the same side, as disclosed in previously mentioned US. Pat. No. 3,415,644, or certain embodiments of peel-apart units.

Processing Fluid Accommodating Means The preferred fluid accommodating means includes a supply means 14 for discharging the processing fluid between the photosensitive element 18 and process sheet 20 at the leading end of the unit, and a collecting mechanism 16 for receiving any excess of the fluid from therebetween at the trailing end.

The supply means can take many different forms ranging from those having many different parts with each serving separate functions, to those having only one or a few parts with each serving many functions. As illustrated, the supply mechanism encompasses three basic parts comprising a container or pod 26 of the processing fluid which is arranged to supply the processing fluid, a funnel or conduit 27 arranged to direct the fluid from the pod to the leading end of the image-recording portion between the photosensitive element 18 and process sheet 20, and a support or carrier 28 that also is adaptedto serve as a covering element in a manner to be described hereinafter.

Container 26 can be of any suitable type known to those skilled in the art, and usually will include various vapor impervious and appearance-improving materials such as a plastic inner layer, a lead-foil intermediate layer and an outer paper wrapping, that contribute to provide a relatively stiff or nonresilient structure as compared to the image-recording portion. The container is sealed around its periphery to provide a cavity for'the processing fluid, but is adapted to release that fluid from one edge upon the application to the container of a mechanical stress usually provided by juxtaposed pressure-applying members in related photographic apparatus in a manner well known in the art. As is well known in the art, the funnel or conduit 27 is utilized to receive the fluid releasing edge of the container 26 therebetween as at 29, for directing processing fluid discharged from the container to the leading end of the image-recording portion with little or no possibility of leakage. The funnel is used to form the connection between the container 26 to the imagerecording portion 12 and to permit the relative movement of such container and portion between the respective positions illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. The

leading end of the funnel is attached to the carrier at the container and the trailing end is attached to the image-recording portion. The intermediate portion of the funnel, however, is not attached to either the carrier or the image-recording portion so as to permit longitudinal movement therebetween. Moreover, the funnel of the present invention is sufficiently elongated as to permit the longitudinal movement of the container between the respective positions illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. from superposed relationship to substantially coplanar, end-to-end relationship.

The support or carrier 28 is constructed from relatively stiff material, such as paper or cardboard, and defines a substantially flat rectangular element having straight edges and square corners. For purposes to become more apparent hereinafter, the rectangular element has substantially the same width as the imagerecording portion and subtends an area that, when combined with the area of a similar element forming part of the collecting means, substantially equals the area defined by the image-recording portion. The previously mentioned container 26 and the leading portion of the funnel are permanently attached to one side of the carrier28, and this side preferably is treated with a suitable material for facilitating such attachment, as well as for protecting the carrier from any of the processing fluid. The side of the carrier opposite from the container, on the other hand, provides a surface that is suitable for receiving ink or other writing materials to facilitate print identification.

The fluid collecting means or trap 16 includes a support or carrier 32, that is substantially identical to the carrier 28, and a fluid-receiving structure 34 for collecting any excess of the processing fluid from the trailing end of the recording portion substantially permanently attached thereto. As will become more apparent hereinafter, it is preferable that the collecting structure be thin, both before and after receiving the excess fluid, but its peripheral dimensions need only be within the confines of its carrier. The collecting structure is sufficiently elongated as to permit the longitudinal movement of the trap and the carrier 32 between the respective positions illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, i.e. from superposed relationship to substantially coplanar end-toend relationship. For this reason it has been illustrated as a tubular piece of flexible material suitably sealed at its trailing end in a manner insuring confinement without leakage of any processing fluid received therein. Since the illustrated film unit is intended to be used with apparatus having stepped pressure-applying members, as described in previously mentioned application Ser. No. 70,836, the collecting mechanism need not be provided with internal spacers or the like that often are used for separating the pressure members as the trailing end of the film unit passes therebetween. At its leading end 38, the fluid collecting means is coupled to the image-recording portion in any appropriate manner insuring that all of the processing fluid will be directed into the collecting mechanism with little or no possibility of leakage.

Additional Cooperating Features, and Operation of the Film Unit The supply and collecting fluid accommodating means are permanently attached to the imagerecording portion by suitable adhesives, or the like. Such adhesives are selected and applied to cooperate with the sealed lateral edges of the image-recording portion for providing a completely closed system, both during and after processing, that essentially eliminates any significant likelihood that the processing fluid will escape therefrom. This is not meant, however, to preclude any desirable escape from the system of water or other possible neutral compounds of the fluid.

Additionally, while the relatively still components of the supply and collecting fluid accommodating means are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being spaced slightly from the image-recording portion, this is only for clarity, and in actual use are substantially contiguous therewith, with only the thickness of the pod 26, funnel 27, and trap 34 therebetween.

When the film unit is intended for use in a camera utilizing picker members or fingers, of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,511,152, to initially remove the film unit from the pack and/or to feed the film unit between the pressure applying members, the leading end of the support 28 is provided with means such as openings 56 arranged, when the film unit is in its initial position in the film pack, to be engaged by the picker fingers. The leading edge of the image-recording portion is notched at 58 on either side to permit the picker fingers to engage the openings 56. Thus the picker fingers are arranged to enter into the openings 56 and to move the fluid supply means 14 longitudinally of the film unit into engagement with the pressure members. To assure that the remainder of the film unit is not also moved longitudinally by the picker fingers, and to assure the proper movement of the respective elements as described hereinafter, the trailing end of the lateral edges of the image-recording portion 12 and the fluid collecting carrier 32 are provided with notches 60 and 62, respectively, which engage a rib in either the film cartridge or the camera and prevent premature movement of these elements.

When the film unit is intended for use in a camera utilizing at least one stepped pressure applying member, such as a stepped or flanged roller of the general type disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. appliation Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT and filed in the name of Hubert Nerwin, the notches 58 in the leading end of the image-recording portion 12 perform a further function. It will be noted that these notches overlie the junction between the funnel 27 and the imagereceiving portion 12. As disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. applications Ser. Nos. 1 1 1,465, and

l 1 1,513, both entitled PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT and filed in the name of Hubert Nerwin, the inner surfaces of either or both of the first and second elements, 18 and 20, and the inner surfaces of the funnel and/or container can be provided with a layer of an adhesive, such as a cohesive or a liquid-activated adhesive, adjacent the junction between the fluid accommodating means and the image-receiving portion. This adhesive layer, or layers, operates to seal the respective elements, after the processing fluid is spread, to prevent leakage of the fluid therefrom upon subsequent handling. The cutouts 58 are so arranged at the lateral edges of the film unit that, as the film unit passes between the pressure members, the flange portion thereof drops into the cutouts causing the center portion of the pressure members to apply a sufficient force to the adhesive layers to form a seal.

Referring now to the operation of the film unit, it is intended to be supplied in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 with the supply and collecting fluid accommodating or reservoir means, including carriers 28 and 32, disposed adjacent and superposed with the first surface 22 of the image-recording portion 12. The funnel 27 is folded between carrier 28 and the first surface 22 of the image-recording portion and extends from the pod 26 to the leading end of the image-recording portion. The trap 34 is likewise folded between carrier 32 and the first surface 22 of the image-recording portion and extends from the trailing end of the image-recording portion to the trailing end of carrier 32. After exposure of the photosensitive element, the picker fingers, or other means, move the carrier 28 longitudinally of the film unit in the direction of arrow 64 to between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members discharging the processing fluid from the pod 26 into the funnel 27, which is by then moved into coplanar relationship with the image-recording portion 12. As the supply means is moved further through pressure-applying members, such as by means of driven rollers, the funnel is completely straightened betweeen the pod 26 and the leading end of the image-recording portion, facilitating the delivery of the processing fluid from the pod to the photosensitive element, and the longitudinal force is then directly applied to the end of the image-recording portion via funnel 27. While up to this time the frictional force between the carrier 28 and the imagerecording portion 12 has not been sufficient to overcome the restraint provided by the engagement of notches 60 with the previously mentioned rib, the direct force applied to the leading end of the imagerecording portion 12 by the funnel 27 in the direction of arrow 64 is sufficient to overcome the restraint provided by notches 60 and .the image-recording portion is then pulled through the pressure-applying members, spreading the processing fluid over the photosensitive element. Likewise the frictional force between the image-recording portion 12 and the carrier 32 and trap 34 is not sufficient during longitudinal movement of the image-recording portion to overcome the restraint provided by notches 62 in the trailing edges of the carrier 32. However, as the trailing end of the image-recording portion comes into alignment with the leading end of carrier 32 and the trap 34, is unfolded and extends directly behind the image-recording portion, the direct force applied to the carrier by the image-recording portion through trap 34 is sufficient to overcome the restraint of notches 62 and the trap is pulled between the a configuration substantially that shown in FIG. 2.

Thus, the latent image is processed and the visible image is established by rupturing the container 26, distributing the processing fluid through the funnel 27 and between the photosensitive element 18 and process sheet 20, and collecting of any excess fluid in-the collecting structure 34. As described in the previously mentioned US. application Ser. No. 869,186, the processing. fluid preferably includes an opacifier, that cooperates with an opaque layer in the photosensitive element, to permit immediate withdrawal of the film unit from the camera where processing is completed.

During processing, the supply and collecting means provide convenient appendages for handling of the unit without contacting the image-recording portion. After processing, however, these appendages tend to detract from the aesthetic appearance of the finished print, at least insofar as photographers have become used to conventional'prints having uniform boarders. Additionally, the appendages increase the overall length of the print, making its storage difficult or inefficient in albums, or the like. 1

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, thepresent invention eliminates these and other problems, will resultin still further advantages, by providing for movement of the fluid accommodation or reservoir means, such as the supply container and the collecting trap, from the after-processing position removed from the back or second surface of the image-recording portion, and illustrated in FIG. 2, to the final position,'covering' the second surface thereof. The after-processing position, illustrated in FIG. 2, is that wherein thesupply container and collecting trap lie in substantially the same plane as the image-recording portion afterserving their intended supply and collecting functions, while the final position is that illustrated'in FIG. 3, wherein they are behind thefinal print and, preferably, engage the back surface thereof. l I

The carrier 28 is then folded in the direction of arrow 42 (FIGS. 2 and 3) about the juncture of the carrier with'the image-recording portion and using the funnel 27 as a hinge until it engages and is superposed with the back'surface. The fluid supply container 26 being sup- 1 ported on or being a part of the carrier, is also folded from the after-processing position, substantially coplanar with the image-recording portion, to the back surface thereof and is enclosed between the back surface of the image-recording portion and the carrier. Likewise, carrier 32 is folded'in the direction of arrow 46 about the juncture of the carrier with the imagerecording portion and using the trap 34 as the hinge, whereby the collecting trap 34 is enclosed between the back surface of the image-recording portion and that carrier. 7

The border of surface 24 of the image-recording portion, and carriers 28 and 32 which are finally superposed therewith, are provided with a layer of cohesive that holds the film unit in the final configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, other adhesives may be used and, depending upon the type of adhesive, may be applied to only the areas noted above or to other areas.

' It will be noted, however, that with the use of the cohefrom any of the cohesive areas on an adjacent film unit.

As previously mentioned, the folding is facilitated by the flexible nature of the attaching elements along such lines. Additionally, the folding can be accomplished without adversely affecting any of the previously mentioned seals that provide a closed, substantially leakproof system.

In accordance with particularly advantageous features of the invention, the foldable supply and collecting means are equal in width to the image-recording portion, and together subtend an area equal to the image-recording portion, such that they cooperate in their final position to completely cover the second, back surface and to provide a smooth, flat back for the print. Moreover, as noted above, where these equal widths and areas are defined by the carriers 28 and 32 of the supply and collecting means, these carriers serve as covers for capturing the fluid container or pod 26 and the collector or trap 34 between the carriers and the second surface of the image-recording portion. In this manner, the appearance of the print is further improved and the sealed enclosure prevents the escape of any remaining fluid in the fluid accommodating or reservoir means. Moreover, while the two carriers are illustrated as having equal areas, it will be appreciated that they may be different in areas with each carrier covering the respective portion of the back of the image-recording portion. I

More particularly, the elongated funnel 27 between the pod or container 26 and the leading end of the image-recording portion provides significantly improved fluid distribution to the photosensitive element, im-.

proving the uniformity of fluid supply thereto and the resulting image.

Still other advantages can be accomplished by selection of the materials or form of the supply and collecting means or their carriers. For example, in their final positions, they can serve to stiffen the final print and to provide a convenient paper surface, or the like, to facilitate writing or the placing of other identifying indicium on the back of the pring. Moreover, since they preferably are equal in area to the area of the image-recording portion, the container or pod and collector or trap can have relatively large peripheral dimensions with corresponding small or flat thickness dimensions while still having sufficient capacity to handle an appropriate amount and excess of the processing fluid. This, in turn, facilitates the design of flat film packs and cameras for use with assemblages of the film units. Still further, the relatively stiff properties of the pod or traps or their carriers facilitate their handling in the photographic apparatus.

It should now be apparent that the present invention provides a self-processing film unit having unique structural features and significant advantages not present in previously known units of this general type. Moreover, at least certain features of the invention have special utility and advantages in preregistered, integral film units, and especially when applied to such film units that are adapted to be exposed and viewed from opposite sides thereof.

When all of its features are combined, the present invention can provide a substantially closed fluid handling system that substantially eliminates any probability of leakage'with an initial configuration smaller than any film unit previously known, substantially equal in area to the area of the final print. Moreover, the various fluid accommodating means are accounted for after processing without requiring their separation from the rest of the film unit or having to accept their detraction from the aesthetic appearance of the final print. in fact, while such means previously were usually considered waste after processing had been initiated, in accordance with the present invention they can be utilized for handling the film unit during processing and for enhancing various properties of the print after its processing. Still further, the film units are particularly conducive to use with simplified camera mechanisms and relatively flat film packs and cameras.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

l claim:

1. A preregistered integral self-processing film assemblage including an image-recording member, said image-recording member having a width and a length substantially equal to that of the final print, a container of processing fluid arranged to supply said fluid to said image-recording member, and a fluid collector, said fluid container and said fluid collector being movable from an initial position to a final position, said film assemblage having an initial width and length substantially equal to that of the final print, said fluid container and said fluid collector being arranged in both the initial position and the final position to lie substantially within the perpendicularly projected area of the imagerecording member.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein substantially the entire area of said image-recording portion forms the final print.

3. A photographic assemblage comprising:

a substantially planar image-recording portion having leading and trailing ends, said image-recording portion including a photosensitive elment for recording a latent image that is processable to establish a visible image viewable from a first surface of the image-recording portion, and a process sheet attached to the photosensitive element for aiding in the distribution of a processing fluid over said element to effect such processing;

a relatively stiff container of processing fluid, said container being rupturable for discharging said fluid; and

mean for attaching said container to the leading end of said image-recording portion and for directing said fluid, after it is discharged, to said leading end for distribution between said photosensitive element and process sheet, said attaching means including a funnel adjacent said leading end arranged to permit longitudinal movement of said container between one position in juxtaposition with the first surface of said image-recording portion to a second position extending away from the leading end of and in substantially the same plane as said imagerecording portion and to still another position against a second surface of said image-recording portion.

4. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 3,

comprising:

a relatively stiff fluid collecting means for receiving any excess of the processing fluid, after it has been distributed, and means for permanently attaching said collecting means to the trailing end of said image-recording portion and for directing such excess into the collecting means from between the photosensitive element and process sheet, said last mentioned attaching means arranged to permit longitudinal movement of said collecting means between one position in juxtaposition with the first surface of said image-recording portion to a second position extending away from the leading end of and in substantially the same plane as said imagerecording portion and to still another position against the second surface of said image-recording portion. 5. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 4 wherein said container, said connector and said attaching means are arranged in both the initial position and the final position to lie substantially within the perpendicularly projected area of the image-recording portion.

6. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 5 wherein substantially the entire area of the imagerecording portion forms the final print.

7. The invention claimed in claim 3 wherein said assemblage includes a plurality of said recording members, supplying and collecting means, and cover means, arranged in stacked relationship.

8. A method of establishing a final reflection print from a self-processing film unit after processing of the film unit has been initiated, the. film unit including an image-recording portion defining a first surface from which the print is visible and a second opposite surface, supply means used during processing for supplying a processing fluid to the image-recording portion, and a trapping means used during processing for receiving processing fluid from the image-recording portion, the method comprising the steps of:

moving said supply means longitudinally of said film unit and passing said supply means and said imagerecording portion between pressure-applying members; and

folding the supply means into engagement with the second surface to cover a portion thereof.

9. The invention according to claim 8 including the steps of moving said trap means longitudinally with respect to said film unit, passing said trap means between said pressure-applying members, and folding said trap means into engagement with the second surface to cover the remaining portion thereof.

10. A self-processing film unit, comprising:

an image-recording portion for recording a latent image, said portion defining a front and a back surface having at least one flat side;

reservoir means for receiving a processing fluid applicable to said image-recording portion for processing the latent image;

means coupling said reservoir means and said imagerecording portion for movement of said reservoir means between positions removed from and engaging said flat side of said image-recording portion; said reservoir means being movable by virtue of said coupling means longitudinally from an initial position in juxtaposition with a portion of the front surface of the image-recording portion into substantially coplanar relationship therewith and then being movable into a final position in juxtaposition with the back surface of said image-recording portion substantially in register with at least a portion thereof; and

means for retaining said reservoir means substantially permanently in juxtaposition with the back surface of said image-recording portion.

11. A self-processing film unit as claimedin claim wherein said reservoir means includes a container for supplying the processing fluid to said image-recording portion. i

12. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said reservoir means includes a collector for receiving any excess of the processing fluid from said image-recording portion.

13. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said reservoir means includes a container for supplying the processing fluid to said image-recording portion and a collector for receiving any excess of the processing fluid from said image-recording portion.

14. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said retaining means includes a layer of adhesive on the mating surface of at least one of the imagerecording portion and the reservoir means.

15. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said retaining means includes a cohesive layer on the mating surfaces of the image-recording portion and the reservoir means.

16. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 15 wherein said cohesive layer is disposed on the peripheries of the image-recording portion and the reservoir means.

17. A photographic assemblage as claimed in claim 3 including means for retaining said container substantially permanently in the position against the second surface of the image-recording portion. 

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein substantially the entire area of said image-recording portion forms the final print.
 3. A photographic assemblage comprising: a substantially planar image-recording portion having leading and trailing ends, said image-recording portion including a photosensitive element for recording a latent image that is processable to establish a visible image viewable from a first surface of the image-recording portion, and a process sheet attached to the photosensitive element for aiding in the distribution of a processing fluid over said element to effect such processing; a relatively stiff container of processing fluid, said container being rupturable for discharging said fluid; and mean for attaching said container to the leading end of said image-recording portion and for directing said fluid, after it is discharged, to said leading end for distribution between said photosensitive element and process sheet, said attaching means including a funnel adjacent said leading end arranged to permit longitudinal movement of said container between one position in juxtaposition with the first surface of said image-recording portion to a second position extending away from the leading end of and in substantially the same plane as said image-recording portion and to still another position against a second surface of said image-recording portion.
 4. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 3, comprising: a relatively stiff fluid collecting means for receiving any excess of the processing fluid, after it has been distributed, and means for permanently attaching said collecting means to the trailing end of said image-recording portion and for directing such excess into the collecting means from between the photosensitive element and process sheet, said last mentioned attaching means arranged to permit longitudinal movement of said collecting means between one position in jUxtaposition with the first surface of said image-recording portion to a second position extending away from the leading end of and in substantially the same plane as said image-recording portion and to still another position against the second surface of said image-recording portion.
 5. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 4 wherein said container, said connector and said attaching means are arranged in both the initial position and the final position to lie substantially within the perpendicularly projected area of the image-recording portion.
 6. The photographic assemblage claimed in claim 5 wherein substantially the entire area of the image-recording portion forms the final print.
 7. The invention claimed in claim 3 wherein said assemblage includes a plurality of said recording members, supplying and collecting means, and cover means, arranged in stacked relationship.
 8. A method of establishing a final reflection print from a self-processing film unit after processing of the film unit has been initiated, the film unit including an image-recording portion defining a first surface from which the print is visible and a second opposite surface, supply means used during processing for supplying a processing fluid to the image-recording portion, and a trapping means used during processing for receiving processing fluid from the image-recording portion, the method comprising the steps of: moving said supply means longitudinally of said film unit and passing said supply means and said image-recording portion between pressure-applying members; and folding the supply means into engagement with the second surface to cover a portion thereof.
 9. The invention according to claim 8 including the steps of moving said trap means longitudinally with respect to said film unit, passing said trap means between said pressure-applying members, and folding said trap means into engagement with the second surface to cover the remaining portion thereof.
 10. A self-processing film unit, comprising: an image-recording portion for recording a latent image, said portion defining a front and a back surface having at least one flat side; reservoir means for receiving a processing fluid applicable to said image-recording portion for processing the latent image; means coupling said reservoir means and said image-recording portion for movement of said reservoir means between positions removed from and engaging said flat side of said image-recording portion; said reservoir means being movable by virtue of said coupling means longitudinally from an initial position in juxtaposition with a portion of the front surface of the image-recording portion into substantially coplanar relationship therewith and then being movable into a final position in juxtaposition with the back surface of said image-recording portion substantially in register with at least a portion thereof; and means for retaining said reservoir means substantially permanently in juxtaposition with the back surface of said image-recording portion.
 11. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said reservoir means includes a container for supplying the processing fluid to said image-recording portion.
 12. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said reservoir means includes a collector for receiving any excess of the processing fluid from said image-recording portion.
 13. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said reservoir means includes a container for supplying the processing fluid to said image-recording portion and a collector for receiving any excess of the processing fluid from said image-recording portion.
 14. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said retaining means includes a layer of adhesive on the mating surface of at least one of the image-recording portion and the reservoir means.
 15. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said retaining means includes A cohesive layer on the mating surfaces of the image-recording portion and the reservoir means.
 16. A self-processing film unit as claimed in claim 15 wherein said cohesive layer is disposed on the peripheries of the image-recording portion and the reservoir means.
 17. A photographic assemblage as claimed in claim 3 including means for retaining said container substantially permanently in the position against the second surface of the image-recording portion. 